In 1919 the ‘Addison Act’ was passed by Parliament. This Housing Act helped local authorities to build social housing after World War One and guided policy for the country’s housing sector for most of the 20th century. Join us for the launch of this exhibition exploring its impact on Manchester. Free - please drop in
The tinseltastic drag queen Angel Delight returns to Central Library for a fabulously festive party! Including... Family Fortunes Play Your Cards Right Name that Tune Bingo Christmas cabaret and singalong ...and many more Christmas party games! Tickets are limited. Bar open all evening. 18+ Some of the quizzes will be through your smartphone. Just […]
Join us for animated fun! Discover stories, myths and characters inspired by the Ancient Greeks. Make an animated scene to tell the stories to your friends, in your own distinct way! Suitable for families Free – please drop in
A exhibition of many previously unseen photographs of the area now covered by the Manchester Arndale. They include the pubs, clubs, chapels and many shops and businesses swept away to build the shopping centre. From the book 'Manchester's Lost District' by Keith Warrender. Free - please drop in
Start the new year in great shape and join us for an evening with Michelin-starred chef, bestselling author and BBC presenter Tom Kerridge as we celebrate the launch of his latest cookbook LOSE WEIGHT AND GET FIT. Tom will be chatting to Emily Heward (Food, drink and events editor at Manchester Evening News and City […]
Discover wondrous objects from the depth of the library. Be the first to find hidden clues from our new trail and help us complete our new weird and wonderful Cabinet of Wonders. You can also join us for a film screening. Suitable for families Free – please drop in
An evening like no other – with Elmo Ali, Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Kamal Kaan, Mahboobeh Rajabi, celebrating poetry and showcasing the works of local poets of Pakistani, Bengali, Iranian and Somali backgrounds. Introduced by Danny Middleton and moderated by Francesca Bradley.
January 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nigeria-Biafra war (1967-1970). The Nigerian civil war invites profound questions on issues like the legacies of British colonialism, the challenges of peaceful ethnic coexistence, mass starvation and humanitarianism, and the influence of foreign powers on African politics. This event brings together academics, film-makers and […]
Join us for a celebration of Chinese arts, crafts and culture on one of our exclusive Sunday openings. We are celebrating the Year of the Rat with musicians, artists and activities for all the family. Soak up the atmosphere with traditional Chinese music, art and dance. Take part in an afternoon packed full of Chinese […]
As part of Holocaust Memorial Day, Manchester Jewish Museum's song-writing group will present an initial performance of songs inspired by the moving stories of Jewish Refugees arriving in Cheetham in the 1930s and 1940s. We have been working with baritone singer Peter Brathwaite (originally from Cheetham) Israeli opera composer Na'ama Zisser and community composer and […]
As part of Holocaust Memorial Day, Holocaust Brunch explores what it's like living in the shadow of genocide and displacement. Darkly funny, moving and provocative, this show asks how we can honour the histories we inherit whilst breaking free from them, and whether the weight of inheritance can be turned into a gift. Admission fees […]
WORD CENTRAL open mic poetry and spoken word hosted by Tony Curry February's special guest poet is Ben Mellor Ben is writer, performer and facilitator who has worked in theatres, festivals, schools, colleges and prisons nationally and internationally. He has created seven touring theatre shows incorporating spoken word, storytelling, theatre, music, beatbox and vocal looping. […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
